Ribbons and petals rained down over the main stadium of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference.
The entire arena roared in celebration.
Aiden Flint had won.
He was the Champion of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference.
That victory meant something far greater—
He now possessed the official right to challenge the Elite Four, and even the regional Champion.
And if he succeeded—
He would stand on equal footing with Lance of Kanto, Cynthia of Sinnoh, Alder of Unova, Diantha of Kalos, Leon of Galar, and Geeta of Paldea.
As for Alola…
Ash hadn't gone there to become Champion yet.
At that very moment, the system notification sounded.
Ding! Congratulations, Host, for defeating Ash with absolute dominance. Reward: one Master Ball and Shiny Black Rayquaza.
Ding! Shiny Black Rayquaza has been captured with a Master Ball and stored in the system space. You may access it at any time.
Aiden's heart stirred.
A brand-new Master Ball appeared in his hand.
Since the match had just ended, he chose not to release the Shiny Black Rayquaza yet.
Soon, President Damaranchi arrived at the podium, accompanied by Champion Wallace.
Both gazed at Aiden with complex expressions.
The rise of a new legend often meant the fading of the old.
But Wallace's eyes held admiration rather than reluctance.
His greatest dream had never truly been the title of regional Champion.
It was the flourishing of Pokémon Contests.
To be recognized as the world's greatest Coordinator—
That was Wallace's true aspiration.
If Aiden claimed the Hoenn Championship, Wallace could retire peacefully and devote himself entirely to Contests.
President Damaranchi, however, looked at Aiden with deep interest.
An eighteen-year-old who had debuted for only one year—
Yet already possessed Legendary Pokémon.
Not only that, but he had defeated multiple Elite Four members and Champions.
Lance.
Steven.
Wallace.
Cynthia.
These were among the strongest trainers in the League.
A prodigy like Aiden needed to be cultivated carefully.
Thus, the Ever Grande Conference trophy was personally presented by President Damaranchi.
On the podium, Aiden stood at the highest position, Ash beside him as runner-up, and Tyson in third.
Sidney awarded the bronze medal to Tyson.
Wallace handed the silver medal to Ash.
President Damaranchi stepped forward with the golden trophy.
"Aiden Flint," he said solemnly, "congratulations on becoming the Champion of the Hoenn Ever Grande Conference."
Aiden accepted the trophy.
Under thunderous applause, the three trainers raised their awards.
The Hoenn Ever Grande Conference—
Had concluded.
…
After the ceremony, Aiden was invited to the Hoenn League headquarters meeting room.
Present were President Damaranchi, Champion Wallace, and the Hoenn Elite Four—Drake, Glacia, Phoebe, and Sidney.
"Aiden," Wallace began, "by rights, after winning the Conference, you may challenge the Elite Four. However, arranging a full-region broadcast takes preparation."
"So we must ask—do you truly intend to challenge the Elite Four and Champion?"
"Of course," Aiden replied without hesitation. "Challenging the Elite Four and Champion has been my goal from the beginning."
Wallace smiled.
"Very well. Give us some time to prepare. Once everything is ready, your challenge will be broadcast across Hoenn. It won't take more than a month."
Aiden nodded.
Then President Damaranchi spoke.
"Becoming an Elite Four member—or Champion—is not simply about strength."
"An Elite Four trainer must possess not only power, but also the heart to protect the people."
"Even if you defeat Sidney and the others… even if you defeat Wallace… without that heart, you cannot become Hoenn's Champion."
Aiden frowned slightly.
But Damaranchi continued.
"You have already saved Hoenn. You stopped Team Magma and Team Aqua, ended their conflict, and subdued Groudon and Kyogre."
"With that alone, there will be no obstacle to you becoming Champion."
"However… being Champion is busy work."
Aiden understood.
A Gym Leader protected a city.
An Elite Four member handled threats beyond Gym Leaders.
A Champion safeguarded the entire region.
Greater power—
Meant greater responsibility.
"Of course," Damaranchi added, "the privileges are equally great."
"Beyond responding to the League's requests when necessary, the regional Champion is effectively the highest authority in Hoenn."
"In some ways, akin to a monarch."
"Elite Four and Champions undergo evaluation every four years. Pass, and you remain. Fail… and someone stronger takes your place."
Aiden couldn't help but smile wryly.
To the others in the room, his victory in the Champion challenge already seemed inevitable.
"Very well," Damaranchi concluded. "When the Elite Four challenge is ready, I will notify you."
"Before that, however, I have a task for you."
"Several regions are conducting Gym Leader evaluations—Kanto, Johto, Sinnoh, Unova, and Kalos."
"You may choose one region and assess their Gym Leaders."
"Submit your report, and the League Headquarters will reorganize accordingly."
The next step of Aiden Flint's journey—
Had already begun.
Read 50 chapters ahead on P@treon -> patreon.com/SorenSwiftTL